Tokin’ trouble

May 23, 2001

Ann Arbor resident Renee Emry Wolfe is in trouble with the law again. When last we heard from the pro-pot advocate — she has multiple sclerosis and uses marijuana to alleviate symptoms of her illness — Wolfe was in court for lighting up in the D.C. offices of Rep. Bill McCollum (R-Fla.). That time, an understanding judge let her off with a slap on the wrist.

Now she’s facing felony possession and distribution charges. According to Wolfe, the most recent arrest stems from another incident of lighting up in public: Last summer, she and a former friend toked up on television to demonstrate how marijuana helps cope with MS. The drug reportedly works as a muscle relaxant that helps sufferers control their shakes and spasms.

The long arm of the law reached out and collared Wolfe’s cohort, who accused Wolfe of supplying the weed. If convicted, Wolfe could face up to seven years in prison and fines of as much as $500,000.

According to Detective Sgt. Lyle Satori of the Livingston and Washtenaw Narcotics Enforcement Team, Wolfe is alleged to have been growing at least 20 plants.

Attorney Doug Mulkoff, who volunteered to represent Wolfe pro bono, says she is paying a price for her high-profile advocacy. "There’s little question in my mind that Ms. Wolfe’s activism and outspoken approach to this issue focused attention on her," says the lawyer. "I believe that these charges would not be pending but for her vocal support for the reform of marijuana laws."
Karen Mouradjian contributed to News Hits, which is edited by Curt Guyette. You can reach the column at cguyette@metrotimes.com or